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Forensic Biology and Toxicology (BForensics) + Molecular Biology (BSc) + Biomedical Science (BSc)

Course Code: B1257

This double degree, which can also accommodate either a Criminology minor or a Cyber Forensics minor, combines the Forensic Biology and Toxicology, Molecular Biology and Biomedical Science majors to generate a cognate and broad course designed to enhance the employment prospects of graduates seeking careers in forensics, molecular genetics and/or in medical research. It is designed to produce forensic professionals with well-honed skills in DNA-profiling/ancient DNA analysis who are competent in the forensic analytical techniques relevant to drug and toxin detection and quantification in fluids, tissues and contaminated products. Students are also introduced to aspects of forensic pathology, forensic anthropology and forensic botany/palynology with an emphasis on the collection of evidence and its presentation in court.

The forensic content is complemented by thorough training in the related areas of molecular genetics, biochemistry, medical microbiology/immunology, biomedical physiology and the recognition, aetiology and mechanisms of disease. Graduates will be awarded a BForensics (Forensic Biology and Toxicology) and a BSc (Molecular Biology and Biomedical Science.)

Opportunities are available in the course to participate in a professional experience program, focusing on crime scene investigation with the Western Australian Police (WAPOL).

For more information see the individual entries for the Forensic Biology and Toxicology, Molecular Biology and Biomedical Science majors in this section of the Handbook.

Level:	Bachelor
Qualification:	Bachelor of Forensics (BForensics) in Forensic Biology and Toxicology + Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biomedical Science and Molecular Biology
Duration:	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Availability:	Murdoch campus (internal)
Employment Prospects:	The establishment of a national DNA database and the increasing emphasis on the monitoring of blood and urine samples for residual alcohol and drugs has seen a significant increase in employment opportunities for forensic biologists and toxicologists, particularly in government Health Departments and in analytical laboratories. Because the techniques of genetic analysis and analytical chemistry are highly transportable, graduates can also expect to gain employment in research organisations such as the CSIRO, in agriculture departments and in food processing companies. Graduates have also gained employment as Crime Scene Officers with Police Services; as Forensic Biologists in Health Departments and as Graduate Research Assistants in hospitals and medical research centres.
Special Requirements:	Students will not be required to kill any vertebrate animal but they will be required to work with fresh tissue from dead animals in certain units. Students will also be exposed to graphic images of homicidal injuries.
Recommended Minors:	Criminology; Cyber Forensics; Security, Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Excluded Minors:	Biomedical Science; Forensic Biology; Molecular Biology; Physiology and Pharmacology

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